Ignoring Yamal, Coach Flick points out the two most crucial players currently at Barca

Coach Hansi Flick confirmed that Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are the pivotal elements in Barcelona’s style, the pair helping the team dominate possession and keep consistency.

In a post-match interview following the game against Real Oviedo, Hansi Flick was asked whether Frenkie de Jong is Barcelona’s most important midfielder. He responded without hesitation: “Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are both very important players, and it’s clear that with them, we have better control of the ball.” Flick highlighted that in the second half, when De Jong joined Pedri on the pitch, Barcelona set the tempo and made it much harder for their opponents.

The match clearly demonstrated their roles. In the first half, Barcelona started with Marc Casado in midfield and fell behind 1-0 to Oviedo. However, when De Jong entered, the dynamic shifted immediately. He linked up smoothly with Pedri, enabling Barca to regain control and turn the game around. Ultimately, Barca came from behind to win 3-1 with goals from Eric Garcia, Lewandowski, and Araujo.

Pedri showcased his usual class by finishing the match with a 95% pass accuracy and four key passes. Meanwhile, De Jong proved his worth in just 45 minutes with an assist, 98% pass accuracy, and total command of the midfield. Flick sees this duo as the cornerstone of his tactical approach: “With them, we have better control and a superior rhythm.”

The 2024/25 season further confirmed Barcelona’s strength under Flick. The Catalan club won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, while also making a deep run in the Champions League. This success was closely linked to the midfield stability provided by Pedri and De Jong at the heart of the team.

Experts increasingly view Pedri as Barcelona’s “brain.” Aleix Garcia, Pedri’s teammate on the Spanish national team, commented: “For me, Pedri is the key: he shapes the play, knows when to speed up or slow down the tempo, and always helps teammates perform better.” This observation highlights the tactical significance brought by the 21-year-old player.

Meanwhile, De Jong adds balance to Barcelona’s lineup. From escaping pressure, delivering precise passes, to intercepting, he provides the solidity Barca can’t do without. The combination of Pedri and De Jong forms the foundation that allows Flick to maintain the possession-based style that has revitalized Barcelona.

Although Lamine Yamal is shining in the attack, Flick openly places full trust in the midfield. For him, if Barca wants to control the game, Pedri and De Jong must be on the field. This also sends a clear message about Hansi Flick’s long-term strategy: building Barcelona around these two central midfielders.

From the comeback against Oviedo to the trophy-winning journey last season, Pedri and De Jong continue to prove why they are the most important duo at Camp Nou right now.

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